Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. | Lamentations 3:22-23

My Child, I am the Glory and the One who lifts your head. Even now My heart of compassion is being extended to you. My mercies are new every morning, and they never come to an end. Even in your weakness and in your times of struggle, My strength is being made perfect in you (2 Corinthians 12:9). Receive all that you have need of today, for a bruised wick and contrite spirit I will not deny (Isaiah 42:3).

Do not fret or fear the future, rather receive the grace that I offer you for today. Be assured that there will be new mercies every morning. I am calling you to trust Me and leave the future in My hands, having full confidence that I have a good plan and outcome for your life.

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Refuse to be weighed down by the cares and trials of this world, rather in all things give Me thanks. Continue to look to Me, for I am making the crooked places straight. I will help you navigate through the unknown as you continue to have childlike faith and trust in your Heavenly Father. Put no confidence in flesh, but look to Me, for I am faithful. All things are being upheld by Me and through Me (Colossians 1:17).

I am perfecting all that concerns you, My lovely one. Nothing can ever separate you from My great love (Romans 8:39). Know that, indeed, I am at work in your life, and all things are coming together for good. Trust in Me, Beloved, and receive My new mercies for today.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. | Isaiah 61:1-3

In this season, the enemy has sought to bring down many with discouragement, despair, weariness, and hope deferred. He has sought to deceive you, trying to convince you to come into alignment with his lie that breakthrough will not happen in your life. Yet take heart, for the exact opposite is true! Even in what feels like chaos, I hear the Lord saying, “Put on a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” It may feel as though there has been an increase in the warfare that you have been experiencing, but the Lord is exposing the enemy’s plan. Breakthrough is happening now, and it will soon manifest in your life.

I recently saw a picture in my mind of many in the body of Christ, bent over by the weight of heavy chains (a symbol of burdens) wrapped around them. When they tried to take a step forward, the enemy would throw yet another chain around them, and they staggered under the added weight. Shortly after I saw that picture, I was reminded of a fascinating story that I had once heard:

As my friend was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from the ropes they were tied to but for some reason, they did not. My friend saw a trainer nearby and asked why these beautiful, magnificent animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away.

“Well,” he said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size of rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.” My friend was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.

– Author unknown

I believe that the Lord is using this story as an analogy for the body of Christ in this hour. I hear Him saying, “I have given you strength like the elephants. The chains that the enemy has sought to entangle you with can easily be tossed off. The enemy has no real power to keep you bound, as he is just grasping to keep you in alignment with his lies. As My people open their mouths and give Me the sacrifice of their worship, truly the grave clothes and shackles will fall off of them; they will be adorned with new, beautiful garments of praise.”

It may feel as though your joy has been attacked in this last season. The enemy knows that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and he has been doing everything in his power to try and take that away from you. However, I sense that the Lord is releasing the fresh oil of His everlasting joy in this hour. The Lord is washing away the pain of the previous seasons, restoring and redeeming the times that the locust have eaten (Joel 2:25). As you give the Lord the sacrifice of your praise, rivers of living water will flow through those parched places of your life, bringing new healing and refreshing that will cleanse and renew your spirit.

Lastly, I hear the Lord saying today, “Reinforcement is coming; help is on the way.” I believe that the Lord would say, “My favor is going to be released and extended to help you for your next step. Be encouraged! I am lining things up, bringing the provision and assistance that you need to fulfill the call that I have placed on your life. The puzzle pieces are coming together, and I am going to divinely order the next steps that you need to take.”

Continue to posture your heart in a place of humility and trust, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Let His joy and His strength rise up in you, for the Lord is going to make your crooked places straight, and do for you what only He can do. Enter into the Lord’s rest today, and continue to put on the garment of praise.

“… Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6).

]]>https://angiestolba.com/2017/08/02/garments-of-praise/feed/3angiestolba23618709582_1503d87f12_o.jpg35609097531_1975f86be4_o.jpg“Come Up Higher!”https://angiestolba.com/2017/07/25/come-up-higher/
https://angiestolba.com/2017/07/25/come-up-higher/#commentsTue, 25 Jul 2017 18:43:56 +0000http://angiestolba.com/?p=7570]]>The Lord continues to speak to me in this season on the heart that He has for the Bride of Christ. In Song of Songs 8:6, Solomon’s bride expresses her deep love and devotion for her bridegroom, saying, “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death,its jealousyunyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” Similarly, Jesus Christ is jealous for His Bride. Out of the jealous love that He has for her, the Lord is allowing His fire to purge and purify anything in His Bride that does not align with His truth. He is exposing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors—things that have held us in bondage—in order to bring us into a greater place of freedom that we have not previously known or experienced. However, we should not fear the process, for like gold, the Bride is being purified and fortified, even in the fire.

I hear the Lord beckoning His Bride, saying, “Come up higher! Call upon Me, and I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3).” I truly believe that God is releasing fresh revelation in this season. The Lord is roaring His freedom and His truth into the very areas where the enemy has sought to keep you bound and impoverished in your thinking. Can you hear the sound of chains breaking, and the rattling of prison doors being opened? Beloved, no longer will you live below your potential; the Lord is calling you upward to a higher place, for you are seated in heavenly places with Him (Ephesians 2:6).

I sense that the Lord is also saying to His Bride, “I know how the enemy has sought to wear you out in this season, seemingly throwing at you one problem after the next. Yet, he does not know that the process and fire that you are going through is making you stronger. Like a butterfly coming from a cocoon, your wings have been strengthened in the struggle, and now you will soar to new heights with Me.

“My Beloved, you have been purified like the precious gold, even through the refining. Rejoice at how far you have come, for truly nothing has been wasted. I have been using every circumstance for your good, as you have allowed Me to mold you and shape you as a potter does with clay. I tell you the truth, you will marvel at how far you have come, as I have been with you through it all.

“Do not focus on the past, rather move forward. Indeed, I am calling you up higher. I have collected all of your tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8 NLT), and the very tears that you have cried have been watering and fertilizing the harvest that shall soon spring forth. Truly, I have taken your sorrows, and I am giving you joy.

“Can you hear the love song that I am singing over you, My precious child? Continue to embrace the process, and receive your new-found freedom in Me. You are no longer a slave to fear, rather you are a child of the Most High! Rise up in renewed strength and vigor, and be confident that I, the One who has started the good work in you, will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). Come up higher, and step into your new place of freedom today, because it is for freedom that I have set you free (Galatians 5:1).”

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” | John 8:32

The Lord is doing a deep work in the heart of His Bride: exposing lies and replacing them with His truth. Many are in the middle of this process, and it may feel uncomfortable. However, know that the end result will be worth it all.

I see such a freedom coming to the very places where you were formerly held in bondage. The Lord is ridding His Bride of unhealthy thought patterns and revealing the truth of His Word to her in this hour. Your loving Bridegroom is reminding you today that indeed, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

I am reminded of an arrow. In order for it to be launched forward, the arrow must first be pulled back. You are not going backwards, but rather the Lord is getting ready to catapult you forward into your destiny. Just like the arrow, as you feel the tension of being pulled back, you are simply gaining the momentum that is needed in order to be launched forward! Resist the lie of the enemy that would seek you to believe that you are going backwards, and that there is no hope for your future. The truth of the matter is that you are getting ready to soar to new heights with the Lord, and He is about to launch you forward!

Great and mighty things are coming swiftly, as this has been a time of preparation. You will soon see how the Lord has been working behind the scenes all along, lining things up for your good. What your Abba Father has planned for you is bigger and greater than what you could ever imagine! Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him (Psalm 34:4-8).

Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved. | Matthew 9:17

Do not fear the transition that is happening all around you, rather fully embrace what I am doing in your life. I am not taking away from you; I am adding to you! Though you may currently feel hemmed in and confined, soon you will spread out to the right and to the left, and I will enlarge your borders and extend your tents (Isaiah 54:2). I am going to expand you and entrust you with more, but in order for Me to add the new into your life, you must be willing to let go of the old. The stretching can be an uncomfortable process, but it is, indeed, preparing you for the new that is getting ready to be poured upon you.

In this season, you have been learning to steward well the ‘little’ that I have entrusted you with, and it has prepared you for the ‘more’ that I am getting ready to release upon you. As it is written in My Word, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).

Though things may feel chaotic presently, know that you are in your birthing process, even now! Birthing is a messy and uncomfortable place of transition. Yet—just as a woman in labor has great pain and travail—once a child is born, the mother forgets the pain. Truly, you are on the final stretch, and your pain will soon give way to great joy!

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world (John 16:21).

Be encouraged, My people! A new and glorious day is going to burst forth!

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace (Luke 1:78-79 NLT).

I remind you in My Word that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Even in what may momentarily feel like disorder, know that My divine order and purposes are being established in your life. I am working everything for your good (Romans 8:28). Trust Me in the process, and do not fear the transition. For surely, you are birthing your promise!

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. | Habakkuk 2:14

Recently, as I was in a posture of prayer, I clearly heard the word “tsunami.” Shortly after, I felt the Lord lead me to look up the word’s definition. As I researched some more, this is the definition I found, according to Oxford Dictionaries:

tsunami (NOUN)

A long, high sea wave caused by an earthquake or other disturbance.

An arrival or occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities or amounts.

I began to hear the Lord saying to me, “You have seen the trickle, now get ready for Me to open up the floodgates and release unto you a tsunami of My blessings that you will not even have room to contain!”

“…see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty (Malachi 3:10-13).

“I will send revival to your land and cause the very river of My Presence to flow in the most dry and parched places (Isaiah 41:18). For truly, if My people—who I have called by name—will humble themselves and pray, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).”

I sense the Lord saying, “Revival and reformation is coming to America, starting in the White House and flowing down from there, going forth into the highways and byways. It will be an unconstrained tsunami of My Presence, and the glory of this revival will be greater than even that of the former days (In reference to Haggai 2:9). Pray for your President and for those in authority over you, for the king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; I guide it wherever I please.‘ (Proverbs 21:1).”

“I Will Pour out My Spirit on All Flesh”

“I will visit your schools, for I will be brought back into the education system. I will cause revival to break out among the youth in this hour. Surely, I am moving greatly upon your children and those of the younger generations. They shall dream dreams, they shall prophesy, and they shall arise with great boldness and tongues of fire. I will cause little children to speak My words, and the conviction of the Lord will fall and pierce even the hardest of hearts. Truly, unless you come with the faith of a child, you cannot enter into My Kingdom (Matthew 18:3).

“It is written, ‘From the mouth of infants and nursing babes [the Lord has] established strength’ (Psalm 8:2). Listen, as their words shall confound the wise and pierce the hearts of those who would seem to be the most educated. For I, the Lord, have chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and I have chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).

“I am also calling my generals to arise: the very ones who have been trained in the backside of the desert. They have been refined and prepared, and now they are coming forth as pure gold. They are My fearless warriors, and they have been trained and equipped for battle. My generals will arise, wielding their swords of truth and causing much damage to the kingdom of darkness. They will not retreat nor back down in the face of adversity, nor will they fail to speak My words of truth.”

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6-7).

The Intercessory Bride

In this hour, the Lord is stirring a holy hunger in His Bride. He is awakening the Bride from her place of complacency, and she will arise and go forth, recovering all of the spoils.

I hear Him saying, “Wake up, wake up, O Sleeper! Arise, so that Christ may shine on you (Ephesians 5:14).” We have truly entered into a new season, and we can no longer do things the way that we have always done them. It says in Luke that to whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). As the Lord is bringing massive increase and promotion to those whom have been faithful, even more will be required of them. He will enable you to steward well the increase that He is about to release upon you. Surely, you will be one who is able to help finance the Kingdom!

The Lord is wooing His Bride into a place of prayer and intercession. We need to be as the wise virgins, constantly having oil in our lamps…unlike the foolish virgins, who were unprepared for the coming of the Bridegroom, and were lulled to sleep (In reference to Matthew 25:1-13).

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

A Holy Spirit Wildfire

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder (Isaiah 9:2-3).

The Lord is saying today, “Revival and reformation is happening now, and it will spread like wildfire, even going forth into the nations. For I have heard the cry of My burning ones who have said, ‘Here I am, Lord. Send me!’ I will cause them to arise and shine with great boldness, and I will fill their mouths with My words (Psalm 81:10). Their words will not fall to the ground, but they will go forth and accomplish the purpose for which I have sent it.”

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.See, darkness covers the earthand thick darkness is over the peoples,but the Lord rises upon youand his glory appears over you.Nations will come to your light,and kings to the brightness of your dawn” (Isaiah 60:1-3).

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” | Isaiah 62:1-3

There is much angelic movement and heavenly activity that is happening behind the scenes. Truly your season has shifted, and you have entered into the new. I believe that the Lord would say to you today, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19). Do not look back; now is the time to move forward!”

You have stayed the course and have refused to give up on the promises He has given you, even in the face of onslaught. The Lord of Hosts is honoring your faithfulness and endurance. As it is written in the Book of Psalms, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me” (Psalm 138:7).

“Rejoice!” Again, I say, “Rejoice!” Praise the Lord for all He has brought you through, and all that He will continue to do. Even now, the Lord is parting your red seas: those very things that have stood between you and your promise. Take heart, for you will cross over with great ease and possess the land!

I believe that the Lord is networking you with like-minded people who have the tools that you need to carry out the God-given vision burning within you. All that has previously been held back from you—that which has seemed impossible—will now come bursting forth with little to no effort on your part. Simply stand still, and see the deliverance of your God (Exodus 14:13).

Today I prophecy that there will be no more delay. You are coming out of your tight and confined place and into a wide, spacious place of victory. The very promises that you have been and contending for and have held onto for many years are going to manifest NOW! Your season has radically shifted, and explosive breakthrough is going to manifest. Truly, “you will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:2). The Lord is going to give you double recompense and restoration where you had once experienced tremendous loss and heartache. Indeed, He is calling you by a new name.

No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate.But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah;for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married (Isaiah 62:4).

Again I tell you, you have shifted into your new season, and tremendous breakthrough is happening now. Get ready, get ready, get ready! For you will stand in awe of all that God is releasing upon you.

“Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree. “Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I’ll make everything right again for my people . . .” (Amos 9:13 MSG).

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. | Psalm 121

As you look to the Lord, He will make a way for you where there would seem to be no way. He, alone, is your present help in time of need. Difficult situations will bow their knee to the Name of Jesus, as you continue to keep your eyes on Him!

The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Your prayers are making a difference in the Kingdom, as I see prayer bowls tipping in heaven! I speak a renewal of strength to weary hearts, and I release the joy of the Lord over you today. I release faith to look beyond what you currently see in the natural. Circumstances are coming into divine alignment, and the Lord is making your crooked places straight. He is going to do what only He can do for you, for our God is a good and faithful Father to His children.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;he drew me out of deep waters.He rescued me from my powerful enemy,from my foes, who were too strong for me.They confronted me in the day of my disaster,but the Lord was my support.He brought me out into a spacious place;he rescued me because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:16-19).

You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me. My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes. | Psalm 92:10-11

The Lord is exalting those who have remained humble and have stayed faithful to their calling, even in the times of extreme adversity and testing. Many have been in hiding, and the Lord is about ready to bring those very people to the front lines. The Lord’s favor, promotion, and pleasure will be evident in your life, as you enter into a new season of victory in Christ! Like Joseph, you have been betrayed, thrown into a pit, and have encountered much adversity. Nevertheless, God is using it all for your good, and you are about ready to see and amazing turn around!

Your character has been developed, as you’ve allowed the Lord to have His way in your life. You have continued to trust Him, even when things didn’t make sense and you could not see how the final picture would play out. Today, the Lord is honoring your faithfulness! He is so very pleased with you and your obedience to His calling on your life.

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

Get ready for an incredible season of favor, promotion, and increase. God is getting ready to turn everything around, and you will be in awe of the radical demonstration of the Lord’s love and goodness in your life! “He will give [you] a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3, NLT). Even your enemies to be at peace with you, because your ways have been pleasing to the Father.

Your season has shifted; prepare to enter into your season of victory!

“You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you” | Job 22:28

The Lord has recently been impressing on me the power decreeing, and how important it is for us to line up our thoughts and our words with His. Yesterday, as I was praying for my family and asking the Lord to bring in extra provisions, I heard Him say to me, “It is time to open up your mouth and decree.” It is written in Proverbs that, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). I truly believe that the Lord is desiring to bring the Bride of Christ into the awareness of the authority that we have in Him. Today, I believe that the Lord would say, “You do not have to beg and grovel for something that I have already made available to you, for all of My promises in Jesus Christ are yes and Amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). See yourself as you are: seated in heavenly places with Me, lacking nothing. Now, open your mouth and decree a thing, and it will be established for you!”

I am inviting you to step out in faith, as you open your mouth and decree this prophetic declaration out loud. Truly the Lord’s word will not return void, but it will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11).

I am a well cared for and highly favored child of the Most High. Everything that I have need for has already been provided for me by my Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. By faith, I receive everything that I am in need of. I decree and declare that I lack nothing,for no good thing will the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).

I declare that my roots go down deep, and that I have no fear—even in what would appear to be a season of drought (Jeremiah 17:8).The angel of the Lord encamps around me, and I shall fear no evil (Proverbs 34:7). Finances and resources are flowing into my hands! Wealth and riches are in my house, and I open my hands to help the needy (Proverbs 31:20). I am blessed, so that I can be a blessing in return.

I am the lender, and not the borrower. I am the head, and not the tail; I am above, and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:12-13). I am seated in heavenly places with Jesus Christ, and I have been called to rule and reign with Him (Ephesians 2:6). For all that Jesus has, He has freely made available to me.

I rebuke the devourer in the mighty Name of My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the Word says that he comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). By faith, I wield my sword, and I take back all that is rightfully mine. The Word of God says that when the thief is caught, he must repay seven fold.

Even now, the Lord is making a way for me where there would seem to be no way (Isaiah 43:16-19). The backbone of lack and poverty has been broken, and I decree that I have more than enough in Jesus Christ! All of my needs are met, in Jesus’ Name.

I thank you in advance, Lord, for the fulfillment of Your promises in my life. Blessed be Your wonderful Name.

Let him lead me to the banquet hall,and let his banner over me be love. | Song of Songs 2:4

Recently, while in worship, the Lord gave me a picture of Jesus and I dancing together. Jesus was overjoyed, and I was overwhelmed by His great love and adoration for me. Then, the picture suddenly changed, and we went from dancing together to standing on a shore. Together, hand and hand, we began to walk out into the deep waters. I saw joy in Jesus’ eyes, even as we left the shore. Though I did not know where He was leading me, I was completely unafraid; I knew that my Savior was by my side, holding my hand. It was then that I knew what the Lord was showing me: It is more safe to be in the deep waters with Jesus than to remain on the shore—confined to our comfort zone—without Him.

The Lord is Calling Forth His Bride to a Greater Season of Intimacy

As I have been pondering on what the Lord has shown me, I sense that He is not only speaking to me through these pictures, but to the Bride of Christ in her completeness.

I hear the Lord saying, “My Bride, I am calling you forth to arise from your slumber and enter into a time of intimacy with your Bridegroom. Let go of the distractions that so easily entangle you, and come away with Me.”

“Arise, my darling,my beautiful one, come with me.See! The winter is past;the rains are over and gone.Flowers appear on the earth;the season of singing has come,the cooing of dovesis heard in our land.The fig tree forms its early fruit;the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.Arise, come, my darling;my beautiful one, come with me” (Song of Songs 2:10-13).

Just as I could feel Jesus’ absolute pleasure over me as we were dancing together, I believe that the Lord wants to reveal to His Bride that same pleasure that He has for her. I believe that the Lord is showing me the heart of love that He extends towards His Bride. Song of Songs 4:7 says, “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” This verse so clearly illustrates how your Bridegroom—Jesus Christ—sees you. You have no spot or blemish in His eyes, and He says that you are altogether lovely. Wow!How He is ravished by us! Even in our weakness, this is how the Lord sees us.

I believe that the Lord is wanting His Bride to come into the full revelation of the depth of His great love for her. As it says in Zephaniah 3:17, in His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Do you realize that the God who created the universe sings over you? He is the One who designed the mountains and crafted the seas, and He is the same Lord who was, who is, and who is to come.

And this same God delights in you.

What an amazing and intimate love that your Bridegroom has for you, His Beloved. Regardless of the season of circumstances that you are facing, His love for you is fierce, steady, unchanging.

I sense that the Lord is awakening weary hearts back to life. Those who have been hard pressed on every side, listen closely: the King is singing His love song over you. His beautiful love is healing hearts, awakening them once again. As we spend time in the secret place, cultivating our intimacy with our Bridegroom, we will truly discover that He, alone, is all that we need.

Walking out into the Deep

It is in the place of abiding in intimacy with the Lord that He will reveal His strategies for breakthrough in our lives. As we take time to be with Him and align our will with His, our God will show us the answers and solutions.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

The Bride of Christ will receive deeper revelation, as He will release the very blueprints of heaven into your spirit. The Lord will show you the steps that you need to take in order to walk into the greatness that He has prepared for you. Just as I had pictured Jesus and I walking into the deep waters without fear, I sense that we as the Bride are about to walk out into the deep unknown with Him. In this season of transition and change, Jesus is beckoning us to leave our comfort zones and, hand in hand, walk out in faith with Him.

The Lord continues to remind me, “Where I lead is the safest and best place to be.” Even as Abraham was told by the Lord to leave what was comfortable and familiar and go to the land that the Lord would reveal to Him, we as the Bride are being called to trust in the guidance of our Bridegroom. Do not fear, for Christ will be faithful, as you obey Him and follow where He leads you.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.By faith he made his home in the promised land-like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because sheconsidered him faithful who had made the promise (Hebrews 11:8-11).

There are exciting adventures and surprises in store, as you continue to follow the Lord’s leading! “‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Awakening to the Fullness of Our Identity

The Lord is rooting out His Bride’s deep fears and insecurities: the very things that have been strongholds in people’s live. Indeed, He is ridding her of any entanglements that have been holding her back. Jesus Christ is jealous for His Bride, and He is bringing her into a new-found place of freedom that she has not previously known or experienced before! Hindrances are being removed, and grave clothes are coming off. Look and see! The beautifully adorned Bride of Christ is arising and coming forth victoriously!

I believe that the Lord is saying,

“For far too long, the enemy has kept My Bride living beneath her true potential. But now, she will arise and come forth as the beautiful, overcoming, fearless warrior that I have designed her to be. My Bride is the head, and not the tail; she is above, and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).”

“It is Time to Unsheathe Your Sword!”

He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,in the shadow of his hand he hid me;he made me into a polished arrowand concealed me in his quiver (Isaiah 49:2)

“My Bride, it is time to arise and unsheathe your sword! You will rise from the very circumstances where the enemy had sought to keep you trapped in defeat. Now, you will come forth, wielding your sword of victory. My Bride is not defeated; she is an overcomer, and I have given her the spirit of a warrior. She will slay giants, and she will take back the ruins of former generations (Isaiah 61:4).

“My Beloved, I am giving you all the spoils; I will give you riches and treasures stored in secret places (Isaiah 45:3). You shall fling wide the ancient doors that have been previously closed off. You will set the captives free, and bind up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1).

“The enemy has tried to plague My Bride with fear and insecurity, in hopes of slowing her down. But do not fear, because he knows that when My Bride comes into the reality of who she in Me, she will be fearless and unstoppable! Even now, her praise will torment the enemy.

“I am now calling forth the Bride of Christ! I am awakening her to the fullness of her identity in Me. She is My radiant, overcoming, warrior-Bride, and she will be a force to be reckoned with.”

I see the glorious Bride of Christ, beautifully arrayed in all of her splendor. She will be found coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved (Song of Songs 8:5).

Your wilderness season has not been in vain; it has prepared you for the victory you shall now walk in. It is time to eat the fruits of your harvest!

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,and the glory of the Lord rises upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. | Matthew 6:28-33

My Beloved, I desire to show you how well I can take care of you and how I long to provide for your every need. I am a good and generous Father; if you, My precious child, ask for bread, I will not give you a stone (Matthew 7:9). Know that My eye is on the sparrow; how much more am I watching over you? For I know your request before a word is even formed on your tongue, and I am intimately acquainted with your ways.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrow (Matthew 10:29-31).

I am the God of abundance. Is there anything two difficult for me? I, alone, am your source; I own the cattle on a thousand hills, and My supply will never run dry. Take heart, for I am lovingly watching over you, providing for your every need.

My child, do not fear during these times of transition, nor put your security in anything other than Me. While people and circumstances may change, I am the God who changes not (Malachi 3:6). Ask big of Me, for I am ready and willing to help you in your time of need. Let Me reveal Myself to you as Jehovah Jireh: the God who provides.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Fear not, for fear has to do with punishment, but My perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). My peace will be your portion, as you look to Me and continue to trust in My goodness. Do not worry about the future; I have already gone ahead of you and have prepared the way for you. Even as Ruth received My favor (as I led Boaz to instruct his workers to provide for her physical needs), I will also cause My favor and goodness to manifest in your life. Indeed, I will open up My provision for you in such a way that you will not have to strive to attain it. Continue to make Me your heart’s highest delight and your number one priority. Seek first My Kingdom above all else, and all these other things that you are in need of shall be added unto you, as well (Matthew 6:33).

This is a time to cease from your striving and enter into My rest. Know and have confident assurance that your Father has everything under control. Nothing escapes My notice. I am meeting all of your needs (both big and small, alike), as I am working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Continue to look to Me; put your trust in the Lord! I am your provider, and I am faithful.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. | Romans 8:28

Many have felt as though they are on the verge of giving up, but the Lord would say today, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). For indeed, He is causing your feet to walk on the high places (Psalm 18:33), and He is training your hands to war (Psalm 144:1).

God sees the beginning to the end. You are coming through with the high praises of God in your mouth, and a sword of victory in your hand (Psalm 149:6). The Lord wants you to know that your story is far from over. He is turning things around, working all things for your good!

The tears have been many, and the process has been intense. Yet, even as you have given the Lord your all—choosing to trust Him, even when you haven’t understood the process—He is going to step in. Watch, as your heavenly Father raises you from the very ashes of your despair!

He raises the poor from the dustand lifts the needy from the ash heap (Psalm 113:7).

‘Let go and let God,’ for He is going to do what only He can do for you. “It is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord! (Zechariah 4:6).

As you surrender the very burdens that have been weighing you down into the hands of the Lord, you will experience His peace that passes your natural understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Beloved, take heart! Your Bridegroom is rewriting your story, and He is giving you a new song to sing. Watch, as He brings beauty from your former ashes. The things that once caused you the most concern are about to become your greatest testimony.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. | Proverbs 13:12

Hope. It isa single word that holds so much power; a key that has the potential to unlock heavenly revelation and grow our faith. I truly believe that the Lord is highlighting hope in this season. We are told in Romans 5:5 that hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts. As the Bride of Christ, it is important that we hold on to this hope and stay anchored in truth.

We have truly entered into a season where we are going to see hearts’ longings and desires fulfilled, as it says in Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Be encouraged, as this will bring you much rejoicing and refreshing after a long season of wilderness and preparation.

I believe that the Lord is saying, “Beloved, do not lose hope, nor cast away your confidence, despite what is happening in the natural realm. Keep your heart anchored to My truth, and refuse to look to the left or to the right (Proverbs 4:27).”

Breakthrough is happening even now! It is not something that is coming; it is HERE!

There have been many in the body of Christ who have been experiencing attacks and setbacks, as they have encountered multiple distractions and hard circumstances throughout previous seasons. The enemy would seek for you to come into agreement with his lies by causing you to to focus on the distractions that you see in the natural. However, this is just a smokescreen! The lies that the enemy throws your way are not true reality.

What, then, is true reality? The reality is that you are taking ground. You are not going backwards. In fact, the Lord is propelling you forward! You are being catapulted into your destiny, and breakthrough is eminent.

I believe that in this hour the Lord is releasing the eyesight and tenacity of Joshua and Caleb. These men were not daunted by the giants in the land, rather they said, “We can take on the land,” and they knew that the Lord was with them. God is calling us to be strong and courageous in this hour, for everywhere our feet tread, He will give us the land (Joshua 1:3). I speak and declare that you are strong and courageous! I release the vision of Joshua and Caleb over you; like them, you will see that there are more for you than against you. Thank you, Lord, for the transformation work that You are doing in Your people!

Zechariah 9:12 says, “Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” We have truly entered into “a season of double.” God is bringing His order to circumstances that were previously chaotic. Like Joseph—who went from the pit to the palace—the Lord is giving you double for your trouble! I also see relationships coming into divine alignment, and I see finances being restored. God is giving us back all of what the enemy had plundered, for when the thief is caught, he must repay seven fold (Proverbs 6:31).

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,to know the word that sustains the weary.He wakens me morning by morning,wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed (Isaiah 50:4).

I speak and release renewed hope and strength to weary hearts! May you see the reality of heaven, that more are for you than against you. Your best days are at hand! Begin to rejoice in the Lord, and praise Him for the victory that is already yours.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. | Ephesians 3:20-23

Recently, while inquiring to the Lord about the season that I am in (and that which I believe many others in the body of Christ are experiencing, as well), I heard Him say, “This is the calm before the storm.” As I continued to listen, He comforted my heart, saying, “However, do not worry. This is going to be a good storm: a storm of My blessings and purposes that are suddenly going to be fulfilled in your life! Do not be discouraged if things seem unusually quiet or void of any movement, for this is just the calm before the storm.”

Even as “the calm” takes place in the natural realm—when one moment the sea is still, and then the next moment it seems as if suddenly a storm seemingly comes out of nowhere—this same occurrence is happening in the spirit realm. Suddenly things will change, and a storm of blessings will seemingly come out of nowhere!

For many, things will begin to spring forth so quickly that it will leave them asking, “How did I even get to this place, and how did it happen?” Yet, they will know it was the Lord’s goodness and favor alone, not by human effort or striving.

It was not by their sword that they won the land,nor did their arm bring them victory;it was your right hand, your arm,and the light of your face, for you loved them (Psalm 44:3).

People of God, be encouraged and know that there is much movement happening behind the scenes right now, despite what you may see or feel in the natural realm. Things are going to suddenly burst forth and manifest in your life, and it will leave you in shock and awe of the Father’s great love for you. Indeed, you will see and know the goodness of God in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13). He is making a way where there seems to be no way; He is causing streams to flow through what was once a barren, desert place (Isaiah 41:18).

God is getting ready to do what only He can do for you! You will be astonished by His goodness and faithfulness in your life. Your breakthrough draws near; it is coming quickly. It has been a long and hard season for many, but the Lord is equipping you, as He has has been building perseverance and character in you, even now. You will now be able to handle and steward well the blessing that He is about to release on you.

Upon hearing the Lord speak the words “calm before the storm,” our kitchen microwave suddenly beeped from the other room. The Lord drew my attention to the numbers on our microwave clock, as the time read 12:20.

I researched the biblical meaning of the number 12, and I found that it is symbolic for multiple things, including:

Completion or perfection

Governmental authority

Being whole, perfect, and/or harmonious.

WOW! I truly believe that God is getting ready to perfect all that has been concerning you (Psalm 138:8). I also sense that many things that have been coming against God’s people and tormenting them are about ready to come under the Lord’s divine order and government; indeed, the things of the Lord will be made whole and complete.

As for the number 20, the Lord led me to verse 20 in the third chapter of Ephesians:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

I love it when God confirms His Word!

To those who have felt wary and have experienced a long season of hope deferred, take heart! A heavenly storm of blessing is about to overtake and refresh you; yes, the Lord is sending His refreshing rains! Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of troublehe will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. | Psalm 27:1-5

“Do not fear, My Beloved! I am watching over your life with My loving eye, and I am keeping you from harm. Though a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, it will not come near you (Psalm 91:7).

“The spirit of fear is raging, and it is trying to seek a place to enter into your heart. Deny it access! For with fear comes torment, but My perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Remember that I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

“I am a good Father, and I am shielding and protecting you from the fiery darts of the enemy. You are highly favored, My child. Rest in My perfect love, and trust in My ability to keep you safe from all harm. Abide in the shadow of My wings (Psalm 91:4), and find your peace in Me.

“Again I say, ‘Fear not!’ Even amidst the shaking and turmoil that you are witnessing in the world around you, be confident in My ability and in My faithfulness to protect you. I am the good Shepherd, and I will lead you beside the still waters (Psalm 23:2). You are safe with Me, and no weapon that is formed against you will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).”

When [the king] came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

Daniel answered, “May the king live forever!My God sent his angel,and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight” (Daniel 6:22)

“I can take care of all that would seek to oppose you and do you harm, just as I shut the mouths of the lions while Daniel was in the den. I am your strong tower—your mighty Defender—and I am great in battle. I will fight for you; you need only to be still (Exodus 14:14).”

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

“As I have overcome, so shall you. Peace is your portion, My child. I am the God who is even aware of the very number of hairs on your head. Nothing ever escapes My notice, for I am intimately acquainted with all of your ways (Psalm 139:3). I am lovingly and faithfully watching over My word to perform it in your life. Trust Me, and fear not,” says the Lord!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging . . . The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalm 46:1-3, 7).

Wisdom’s Call (Proverbs 8:1-11)

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:

“To you, O people, I call out;I raise my voice to all mankind.You who are simple, gain prudence;you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;I open my lips to speak what is right.My mouth speaks what is true,for my lips detest wickedness.All the words of my mouth are just;none of them is crooked or perverse.To the discerning all of them are right;they are upright to those who have found knowledge.Choose my instruction instead of silver,knowledge rather than choice gold,for wisdom is more precious than rubies,and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

Recently, while spending time with the Lord, I have felt led to study the book of Proverbs and seek the Lord’s instruction and leading in regards to this new season that the body of Christ is entering into. I believe that God is, even now, releasing wisdom and revelation from on high to equip us for all that is ahead. He is enabling us to walk into the new that’s about ready to be opened up for the Bride!

It is so easy to remain comfortable with our familiar, man made traditions: simply doing the things the way that we have always done them. However, I hear the Lord saying, “Come up higher; I have things to show you!” The Lord urges us to call unto Him. and He will answer us and tell us great and unsearchable things we do not know (Jeremiah 33:3).

I believe that in this season, the Lord is beckoning us to come out of our comfort zones. He is calling us to step out into the new and uncharted waters with Him; to go the places where we have not previously navigated. Be assured; where our Father calls us is the safest place to be. He will not leave us alone as we follow His guiding.

Our key to being successful and to navigate the new territory that the Lord is giving us will be to simply hear and obey His voice. The wisdom of man and human logic will fail us. God is calling us to come up to a higher place with Him and to move out in radical faith and obedience in this season. We need to apply the wisdom He is giving us to our daily lives; one word from the Lord can truly change everything.

Launching Out Into the Deep

I love the story of Simon Peter and the great harvest he received because of his obedience to the Lord, as it’s told in Luke 5:1-12.

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

After toiling all night for fish, Simon was asked by Jesus to launch his nets out into the deep. Simon explained his situation to Jesus, saying that he had been fishing all night and had caught nothing. Yet, Simon continued, saying, “because you say so, I will.“

Simon’s response was the key to his breakthrough! Because he obeyed the Lord’s instructions, he was launched out into the deep and reaped a harvest so great, the nets he had cast began to break. Had Simon relied on his human logic or reasoning, he would have missed out on the amazing blessing that God had in store for him.

I know firsthand that it is easy to get weary and to say to the Lord, “I’ve tried that before, God, and it hasn’t worked!” However, I believe that the Father is asking us in this season, “Will you trust Me? Will you be willing to launch out into the deep at My command, even if it hasn’t seemed to work in the past?” When we respond like Simon did, saying, “because you say so, Lord, I will,” we, too, will reap an amazing harvest so large that our own ‘nets’ will barely be able to contain the blessing!

Abide in the Secret Place

The Lord has continually been highlighting to me the importance of intimacy with Him and remaining in the secret place. I believe that it is in this place, as we are abiding in the Lord, that He is going to release His Kingdom strategies to us. In the secret place, God will begin to impart to us the needed wisdom and answers we have been praying for in regards to situations in our own lives and for the loved ones that we have been contending for.

The Lord is stirring the waters, and we are going to see movement and breakthrough in areas that have previously seemed dead. The Life-giver is breathing on the dry bones! Begin to prophesy to those barren places in your life, and watch with expectancy at what the Lord is going to do.

Again He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones and say to them, “O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.’ Thus says the Lord God to these bones, ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life‘ (Ezekiel 37:4-5).

The Lord is Releasing Fresh Revelation and Keys

Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder,When he opens no one will shut, when he shuts no one will open (Isaiah 22:22).

Do not be discouraged if you seem to be in a dry season; for it is during this time that the Lord invites you to go even deeper with Him. Determine in your heart to press into Him even more. As you do this, the Lord is going to give you keys to open up that which has previously been locked up and shut.

When I was going through a dry season of intense, personal warfare, the Lord released a ‘key’ to me that helped usher me out of my place of barrenness. As I was pressing into Him, the Father said so sweetly to me, “Buy some flags and begin to worship Me with dance. As you do this, the heaviness you are feeling will break off, and you will be brought to a higher place with Me: lifted above the storms and the warfare.”

Now, I am not a dancer in the natural. In fact, I’m very uncoordinated. However, I heard the Lord, and I obeyed! I know that His instruction was a key for my own breakthrough. I recognized the voice of the Lord and I knew that my blessing would come through obeying Him. If I would have tried to rationalize things, I could have missed what God had in store for me. I have been so blessed by dancing with flags; it has ushered me into breakthrough from a previously dry place. Dancing has been a key that the Lord has given me to use as a mighty weapon of warfare against the enemy. I want to encourage you to continue seeking the Lord, and He will be faithful to show you keys in your own life, as well.

I sense that the Lord is going to release His keys for troubled relationships that many in the body of Christ have been contending for, as they have been asking the Lord to bring healing and restoration. I hear the Father saying, “It is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). By His Spirit alone, the Lord is going to release key strategies to help usher in breakthrough for troubled and broken relationships.

In James 1:19, we are told to be slow to speak and slow to become angry. I believe that this scripture is a very specific key that can be applied to our lives. As we are quick to listen and not spout off a hasty reply, the Lord Himself will show us what to do and say in any given situation. By continually abiding in the Lord, we will hear His voice and know how to respond. In any given moment or circumstance, we must be led by the Spirit.

I believe that the Lord is also going to release revelation and specific keys to free many from the bondage of debt. Again, this will come from hearing and obeying the voice of the Father, even if it does not make sense in the natural. God reminds us of this in His Word, as it is written, ‘”My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts”‘ (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Lord is honoring faith and obedience. Be willing to go where the Lord says to go, and sow where He is leading you to sow. In Ecclesiastes 11:1, we are told to, “Ship [our] grain across the sea; after many days [we] may receive a return.”

Many in the body are about to come into an amazing financial harvest. Isaiah 45:3 says, “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Praise the Lord for what He is about to do!

Divine Kingdom Connections

God is aligning people with other like-minded ones to help them fulfill their calling and life destiny. Follow His promptings and the nudging of the Holy Spirit regarding your relationships and who you align yourself with in this season.

There is a divine synergy taking place right now. The Lord is bringing the right people into your life to help partner with you so that the heaven-sent dreams and visions inside of you may be released. What an exciting time this is!

There is rapid movement taking place behind the scenes and in the spirit realm. Do not despair if things seem to be dry on the surface, for the Lord is going to cause streams to flow into those barren places, and He will release rivers in the desert.

As we continue to hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be filled. As we ask for wisdom, the Lord will grant it to us. Watch, as He gives us a fresh revelation and the keys that we need to help usher in all that He has prepared for His people.

Be encouraged, where you have previously seen heartache, you are now going to see one amazing breakthrough after the other.

“Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree.

“Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I’ll make everything right again for my people Israel:

“They’ll rebuild their ruined cities.
They’ll plant vineyards and drink good wine.
They’ll work their gardens and eat fresh vegetables.
And I’ll plant them, plant them on their own land.
They’ll never again be uprooted from the land I’ve given them.”
God, your God, says so.

-Amos 9:13-15, The MSG

]]>https://angiestolba.com/2017/05/17/an-increase-of-wisdom-and-revelation-god-is-releasing-keys/feed/3angiestolba29646459336_0e1fc7abee_o.jpg30001621091_189cbfce96_o27622042082_23f48d838c_o.jpgf623a-istock-purchased-surrenderA Season of Increase and Multiplicationhttps://angiestolba.com/2017/05/11/a-season-of-increase-and-multiplication/
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The disciples said to Him, “Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?”And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.”And He directed the people to sit down on the ground;and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full.And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. | Matthew 15:33-39

While reading the story of Jesus feeding the four thousand, I heard the Lord ask the question, “What’s in your hands?” I believe that the Lord wants to encourage us in this hour, as we are about to enter into a season of supernatural abundance, multiplication, and increase.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and always (Hebrews 13:8). Just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the large crowd, we, too, will watch as He does the miraculous in our very lives when we give him what is in our hands. This can look different for every individual, however, I feel that the Lord is saying, “As you offer up to Me your gifts, resources, and talents, watch as I multiply it! I will use what you have to further My Kingdom. Do not look at the areas in which you are lacking, but look at what I have already placed in your hands. Offer it up to Me, and watch what I will do with it.”

I also felt the Lord’s encouragement for those who have given Him their “yes.” He is saying today, “There are those who have said yes to Me with child-like faith. They have said yes to My will and My calling for their life, not even fully knowing what they are committing to. I am so pleased with you, My beloved, and how you have postured yourself in a place of humility and obedience, surrendering to Me and the purposes that I have for your life. Watch what I do with your ‘yes,'” says the Lord!

Your faith and trust greatly pleases the Father. The Lord wants to say to you today, “Great and unexpected surprises are up ahead. Continue to journey with Me into the unknown.” Assuredly, He will not fail you; He is faithful and will lead, guide, and provide for you all that you need for the journey. Continue to trust in the Lord, and allow Him to lead you into the new, one step at a time. His grace is sufficient for you, and His strength is made perfect in weakness.

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways trust in Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God is raising up many pioneers in this hour. Pioneers: the Lord is with you. He is directing your steps and lighting up the path before you. Many will come behind you and reap where you have faithfully sown and broken up the hard ground. God is honoring and strengthening you in this hour; do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap (Galatians 6:9).

We are truly in a season of increase, favor, and supernatural multiplication. Continue to give God your “yes,” and seek Him on what He would have you release back unto him. Then, watch! He will surely multiply it for His glory.

“What’s in your hands?”

]]>https://angiestolba.com/2017/05/11/a-season-of-increase-and-multiplication/feed/2angiestolbaEncouragement for the Prophets and Intercessorshttps://angiestolba.com/2017/05/10/encouragement-for-the-prophets-and-intercessors/
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I woke up this morning feeling the Lord’s heart of encouragement, especially for His prophets and intercessors. The King has taken note of you, and a season of increase and promotion is upon you!

To the Prophets of His heart:

You have continued to steward well and be obedient to release the words that the Lord has given you. As it says in Proverbs 11:25, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” The Lord, Himself, is refreshing you; He is honoring you for how you have continued to be faithful, even in the midst of your own personal pain and hardships.

Many of you have come under fire and persecution, but the Lord is vindicating you. Every tongue that rises up in judgment against you He will refute.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord (Isaiah 54:17).

The Lord is honoring you for how well you have served Him. Keep using your voice and release what He is giving you.

Some of you have been misunderstood, rejected, and spoken out against, yet you have continued to stay humble before the Lord. You have not sought to defend yourself, and like Jesus, you have make yourself of no reputation.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7).

Prophets: your faithfulness to steward well, continuing to release the words of the Father even in the midst of the onslaught, has pleased the Lord. Know that the meekness that you have been walking in is not a form of weakness, but rather is just the opposite! Meekness is absolute power and strength under control. The Lord is promoting you now, as you have kept this posture of humility. For “He mocks proud mockers, but shows favor to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34).

This will truly be a season of increase and promotion. The favor of God that is getting ready to be released over your life will be evident for all to see. Like Joseph, you will soon be able to say, “What [the enemy] has meant for my harm, the Lord has used for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Many will find themselves going from the prison to the palace. Humility will be key in this season. I feel the Lord’s instruction to say, “When the promotion manifests, continue to stay in a place of humility. Steward well, and serve others with what the Father has given you. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (Luke 12:48).”

“You have been tempered and fortified in the very fire that the enemy had sent to destroy you. Yes, you are being strengthened, and nothing has been wasted! You are being refined like the gold,” says the Lord.

Encouragement for the Intercessors:

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Intercessors: your prayers are making more of a difference than you even realize! The Lord is showing me that the prayer bowls in heaven are tipping; your prayers are like sweet incense, pouring out before His thrown (in reference to Revelation 5:8).

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me (Habakkuk 2:1).

Continue to pray for the President and for those in authority over this nation. Stay at your prayer post, and know that there is much shifting happening in the spirit realm. You will suddenly see breakthrough as you continue to contend. As it is written, the prayer of a righteous person is effective and powerful (James 5:16).

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes (Proverbs 21:1).

Be encouraged! You have much favor in the Lord’s sight. Angels have been released and are on an assignment to strengthen and assist you to usher in the harvest. In the very areas where you have seen little to no movement in the past, you are about to see one amazing breakthrough after another! Indeed, the season has shifted!

“Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I’ll make everything right again for my people” (Amos 9:13-14; The MSG).

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” | Isaiah 30:21

Many in the body of Christ are experiencing a major transition right now. Some sense job changes and relocation, while others are about ready to be launched into ministry. Though the transition is making way for many to enter into their destiny, some are experiencing a fear of the unknown. I believe that the Lord is saying, “Do not fear the future, but lean into Me. I will give you peace in the midst of transition. Now is the time to press into Me like never before. Fast, pray in the Spirit, and stay in the secret place. As you do this, I will instruct you and show you the way.”

There will be no more false starts! There have been times when you have sensed movement forward, only to have things come to a halt. Take heart; things will be different this time. Like Joseph, you have been in a long season of preparation. But assuredly I tell you, there will be no more delays. You are ready now, for you have been prepared by the Lord.

Many will be faced with major, life-altering choices in the upcoming days and weeks ahead. It is vital in this season to press into the Lord and seek His wisdom and council regarding both minor and major decisions. Be sensitive to the Shepherd’s voice. He may direct you in an unexpected direction, but where He leads is always the best, safest place to be.

There is blessing in obedience. I sense the voice of the Father saying, “All that glitters is not gold.” What may appear to look like a great opportunity may not necessarily be the thing that God has for you. Again, it is critical to be Spirit-lead and move only in the direction that He is calling you toward. Even if it doesn’t seem to make sense in the natural, the Lord is putting together puzzle pieces behind the scenes. As you simply obey His leading, one step at a time, the rest of the pieces will fall into place.

Our Heavenly Father has been aligning things on your behalf. I believe that there is a smile across His face and a twinkle in His eye. He is saying now, “This is going to be better than you could ever imagine! Trust in Me.”

Hebrews 11:8 tells a portion of the testimony of Abraham. It reads, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8; emphasis added). Abraham obeyed the Lord and went to a land that God had showed to him, even though he did not know the whole picture. Likewise, you do not have to have everything figured out. Just move when the Lord says to move, and go when He says to go. Truly, obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

The Lord wants to encourage those in the middle of transition: “Fear not, for I am with you. I am trustworthy and faithful, and I will always be. Now is the time to launch out into the deep. Do not fear, for I am walking with you into the unknown. I have already prepared a place for you; continue to trust in Me, My dear beloved.”

“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

]]>https://angiestolba.com/2017/05/06/peace-during-transition/feed/3angiestolbaHe Is Making All Things Newhttps://angiestolba.com/2017/05/02/he-is-making-all-things-new/
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! | 2 Corinthians 5:17

There are many who are feeling as though they are “dying to their flesh,” experiencing intense stretching from a prolonged season that they have been in. People of God, I encourage you to remember the truth of the Father: death gives way to new life. Even the death of self that you are experiencing is giving way to new life: the life that God intends for you to have. As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!”

Your pain has not been in vain. Indeed I tell you, the Lord has not been blind to your tears, nor deaf to your cries. The tears that you have cried have been watering and fertilizing the very ground from which your harvest will spring forth! As it is written, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24).

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion (Psalm 84:5-7)

Be reminded that the Lord’s grace is sufficient for you, for His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Though you feel weary from battle, the truth is that the Lord is strengthening you in this hour. Indeed, He is fortifying you, even now. The Lord is getting ready to take your very desert place—that which has been causing you the most pain and heartache—and turn it into a fruitful, lush field. It will become a place of abundant harvest!

God has been depositing much into you during this season, and you have grown and made amazing progress. Keep moving forward; do not look back. Be encouraged, and keep your hand to the plow. Lean into the Father during this time of transition, and allow His grace to carry you through this final stretch.

Once again I tell you, the tears of your intersession have been watering the harvest that you are about to come into. Watch, as it will spring forth suddenly! That which was barren is about to produce new life. Get ready, for He is about to make all things new, and beauty will rise out of the ashes.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair (Isaiah 61:3 NLT).

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep water. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. | Psalm 18:16-19

The Lord gave me a picture recently of a person walking down a long, winding dirt road. They had with them many bags of heavy luggage. In this picture, the person put down their luggage one by one, leaving it on the ground. Then I watched, as they began to walk forward, not looking back at the baggage they had left behind. There was a new spring in their step, whereas before they could barely walk. Everything felt so much more light now that the heavy luggage had been released. The person I had been observing was now quickly advancing, moving along the road with much speed and ease.

I believe that the luggage in the picture was symbolic in regards to “baggage” and burdens that many in the body of Christ have been feeling heavily weighed down with. These burdens may represent wounding of the soul, fear of the future, unanswered questions . . . the list can go on. Yet, as we release our baggage, just like the person in the picture, we will see a new hope begin to rise. As we let go, we will have a new confidence and a great sense of expectancy of the Father’s goodness begin to well up from inside of us.

I hear the Lord saying, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29). When you lay down your burdens at My feet, you will come into a new place of freedom; you will run with great ease through the places where you once felt you could barely walk.”

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31)

I sense that the Lord is bringing many out of what has been a long and extended season of feeling confined. He is guiding them into a new, spacious place of freedom. As it says in the Book of Psalms, “The Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18:19).

I see prison doors that were formally locked beginning to fling wide open. Chains that had once held many captive are being broken, and people are walking out completely free and unbound. What used to hold down the children of God is losing its grip. The grave clothes are coming off, and the Father is adorning these precious ones with new and glorious garments. Their countenance will be barely recognizable, now that they are walking in new found freedom!

I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10).

I see flowers of vivid color and beauty popping up out of what used to be a barren field. New life is springing forth out of what was once a desert place. The Lord is giving you beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy where there was once mourning (Isaiah 61:3). Watch, as you will release the very freedom and healing to others that you, too, have received. Freely you have received, so freely give (Matthew 10:8).

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

I declare life to your barren places and new strength and hope to you today in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners . . . to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. | Isaiah 61:1-3

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” | John 8:32

There are some people who feel as though they have been taking taking two steps back for every step they’ve taken forward. The enemy would seek to make you believe that you are losing ground, but the truth is that you are, in fact, taking ground. You are advancing the Kingdom, despite what you see or feel in the natural. Keep moving forward; keep declaring the truth of the Father.

Even though things may feel dry in this season, keep pressing into the Lord. His Word is breaking up hard and stony ground, and His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). There is much happening behind the scenes, and your Heavenly Father is working on your behalf, even now. Your prayers are like incense that go before His thrown (Revelation 8:4).

Be encouraged! God’s love is healing tired hearts in this hour. Do not become weary in your well doing. You are going to reap harvests of blessing, one after another, as you continue to run your race well.

“Yes indeed, it won’t be long now … Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills” (Amos 9:13-15 MSG).

]]>https://angiestolba.com/2017/04/26/gods-love-is-healing-hearts/feed/2angiestolba31922284951_9b4435a910_oThe Lord is Vindicating Youhttps://angiestolba.com/2017/04/22/the-lord-is-vindicating-you/
https://angiestolba.com/2017/04/22/the-lord-is-vindicating-you/#respondSat, 22 Apr 2017 17:58:34 +0000http://angiestolba.com/?p=5921]]>The Lord sees your tears. He sees the posture of your heart and how you’ve kept your heart soft and pliable, even in the midst of extreme adversity. He is so very close to you. Be assured, He hasn’t missed a thing! He is going to vindicate you, and all that has been hidden will be revealed. (Luke 8:17 – For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open).

Where man has spoken out disapproval of you, the Lord is marking you and ROARING over you! He is honoring those who have remained faithful to their calling, even amidst the misunderstanding, slander, and heartache. He is about to turn things around, as you stay in a posture of worship and humility. The Lord, Himself, is going to promote you. He gives grace to the humble but resists the proud. Keep pressing into Him and keep your eyes on the prize. (Philippians 3:14).

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. | Psalm 42:7

Continue to press into Me, as I call you to a deeper place of intimacy. Be rest assured, My bride, that no evil will harm you. I am inviting you to seek refuge under My wings. Nestle closer to Me, even in the midst of the wind and the storms, for you are safe and protected when you abide in your Bridegroom.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (Psalm 91:4-7).

I am able to keep you safe from all harm, even amidst the chaos, evil, and turbulence of this world. As you come into deeper intimacy with Me, I will give you the ability to live without fear or dread. Remember, the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Continue to press into My heart, and I will give you My perfect peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

As a child of God, you have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Be encouraged! The things that had once tormented you and have caused you to fear are losing their grip on your life. Renew your mind, and feast upon My goodness.

I am drawing you to Myself, taking you past the outer courts and into a deeper place of intimacy with Me. How I long for sweet fellowship with you! You have stolen My heart, My sister, My bride; you have stolen My heart with one glance of your eyes … (Song of Songs 4:9).

As you continue to spend time in My presence, I will begin to change you into My very likeness. You will soon be brought into a new place of freedom, no longer gripped by fear. Drink deeply of My living water, and you will find rest for your soul (John 4:14). For if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36)!